Have you ever applied for a home mortgage and had to give the same information to the mortgage provider more than one time?  Well, you are not alone.  That seems to be a question or complaint that I hear often.

Why do they need it two times?

You see, maybe you gave what you thought they needed or thought they were requesting. However, after that financial information was reviewed, what you supplied did not fully answer their questions or maybe that information lead to another question which needed further explanation.  So, what happens is that the mortgage provider has to request the information again and quite possibly has added further request along with it.  Are any of you beginning to shake your heads in agreement indicating that this has happened to you. too?  I thought so!

Why do the mortgage company need to know where I got that money?

Have you ever made a large deposit in your account after you had a mortgage application in progress and are now  being questioned about where that money came from?  More than likely you are asked for documentation for that as well.  Again, you are not alone.  Nobody is picking on you.  The mortgage company is just doing their job.

 What should you do?

As a REALTOR, the very best tip I can provide my clients is to give each piece of information and documentation to your mortgage provider that they ask for as quickly as possible.  If you have a question, by all means ask, but do yourself a huge favor and do not fret about it.  After all, you do want the loan and the mortgage provider surely does want to provide for you.  However, he or she does have their guidelines to follow and the quicker and smoother you work together, the more pleased you will be in the end.

Reward is Home of Your Dream

Whether you are in the beginning home buying process stages or you are ready to select your home, visit http://www.clearlakeandleaguecityrealty.com. There is valuable  information waiting for you.

First, prioritize those renovations that will have maximum impact, both in terms of aesthetics and investment values.  Also prioritize the projects that will enhance the livability and enjoyment of your home.

Next, decide whether or not it makes sense to handle those projects on your own or call in a professional for help.  According to the experts at Sears Home Services, while talking on home remodeling yourself can seem daunting, enlisting the right help can make the process simple and seamless.

Here are three areas of the home to put at the top of your list this year:

The Bathroom

According to the National Association of REALTORS , one of the best investments in a home is a bathroom renovation.  Remodeling a bathroom that’s more than 25 years old substantially increases the value of your home.  While your bathroom may not need a complete makeover, updating cabinets, lighting, tiling or countertops can go a long way toward improving design and functionality.  Or consider a few quick fixes, such as a new towel bar, shower-curtain rod, robe hooks or showerhead.

The Kitchen

The kitchen is the heart of the home.  Kitchen renovations don’t need to be dramatic to be impactful.  Updates such as new countertops, cabinets, appliances or flooring can all dramatically improve the kitchen.  These improvements can also help yield increased functionality and space throughout the kitchen.  For a simple refresh, homeowners can give their kitchen a new look by replacing the hardware on cabinets, painting or updating fixtures.

The Floors

A great way to upgrade an area of your home and pull a room together is to install new floors.  There are many options to choose from:  tile, laminate, porcelain or ceramic tile, vinyl or hardwood.  Consult a home-improvement retailer or flooring expert to help make the best choice and to ensure proper installation.

For more specific information on your particular property, email Kay Horacefield and visit Clear Lake and League City Realty.   Call Kay, we are ready to answer all of your questions and provide the support.

Rebecca Kolls, the consumer strategist of home and garden for Iconoculture—a leading consumer trends advisory firm—has been getting a lot of attention talking about the most anticipated 2012 home decorating trends.

She says 2012 will not be about flashy, over-the-top design; but rather, about decorating for real life—a home that’s smaller, more well-equipped and custom-made for its owners’ lifestyles.

Kolls says 2012 trends highlight practicality, rightsizing, style-telling and universal design. She says despite a decrease in average overall square footage, kitchens are growing, homeowners are adding more porches, ditching the conventional living room concept and embracing fewer – yet larger – rooms.

Instead of one purely decorative element, Kolls says homeowners are springing for more affordable luxuries with experiential benefits.

In the bedroom, these purchases include new mattresses for increased comfort and a better night’s sleep, plus items like improved lighting and window coverings that facilitate a gentle transition from sleeping to waking. Bathroom remodels include items like towel warmers, steam showers and multiple body spray outlets that promote relaxation and spa-like indulgence.

Furthermore, Kolls says homeowners in 2012 will be looking to tell a story through their decorating, with pieces that put a personal stamp on their spaces. People are stylizing the most-used room in the home—the kitchen—by adding workstations, artwork, photography and more furniture-like cabinetry enhanced by decorative cabinet knobs and pulls.

And since baby boomers are caring for their parents, their children, and sometimes even grandchildren, all while making plans for their own future, Kolls says more will want to spend the rest of their lives in their own home.

That also means homes with several generations under one roof will be utilizing technology to help keep all members of the family safe and well. In fact, Kolls predicts that wireless home health monitoring technologies are expected to grow by $4.4 billion by the year 2013.

That is a trend we’ll talk more about in the New Year.

By: John Voket

If I Would Have Bought Back Then in the Houston Area

Dad Said It…

“I Remember when I could have bought a home in Houston, Texas, right there on that exact corner!  If I would only have done it then I would be better off now!”  That is the message that I hear often from my dad when I was growing up.  Now it seems as if I will hear the same type of comment very soon from people all around the Greater Houston, Texas, area.  Maybe you are wondering why I would say that.

The simple reason is this: In talking with many clients about making an offer on a property, they do not want to get off of the fence and actually buy the home.   They do like the home and would like for it to be their new home address.  They could and do qualify for a loan!  So, what is keeping them from taking the step to move forward and actually sign the offer? Are there steps of the buying process that need clarifying?  Exactly what is causing the delay?

Despite the fact that many homes are being offered at a phenomenally, historically, all time low prices- plus the fact that there are incredibly low financing rates available, some clients still want to “hold out” for a better deal.  After all, it surely must be just around the corner. There are a lot of homes on the market to choose from at this time and I want the best for the lowest price possible.  Have I hear you?  I think so and I do not blame you for one minute.  I, too, want great deals.   

What is Wrong With That Thinking

Let’s use an old saying or two to help answer the question.  “A watch pot never boils!”   “You snooze you loose!” The same is true for real estate in today market.  It is a better financial deal for you to be in the home of your dreams with the current interest rate,even if they dip down a fraction more than the present level, than to have remained on the fence during this remarkable time and watch home prices and home loan rates drift higher.  Inevitably,home prices will rise and rates will go up and you as a client will have missed the opportunity of a lifetime.  Will you be the next one to learn from my dad’s ringing comment?  “I remember when…and I wish I would have…”? Keep that from happening to you and your family.  You can then say to your children, “I am glad that I bought my home in the Greater Houston, Texas, Area when I did!”  Go ahead and “Seal Your Real Estate Deal With A Smile.  Call Kay!  

A Look At The Overall Houston Single Family Home Market

To receive weekly automatic updates for specific zip codes in the Greater Houston, TX Area- Clear LakeCity and League City, TX ,  contact The Kay Horacefield Team or simply fill out the form on the right hand side bar of this blog.

I Need More Money for the Sale of My Houston, Texas Area Home

It is Worth More Than That

With the continued headlines for many months that home prices are declining, sellers are still wondering why they should reduce their listing price.  Mr. and Mrs. Seller, I hear you loud and clear.  I feel your uneasiness and I want to help you the very best that I possibly can to get the top dollar for your home. Therefore, I ask, do you really want to know and overcome? Great, I thought you would ask.  The very best advice I have for you is to use the most effective pricing strategy—that is—Price It Competitively.

This might hit a nerve or two in the beginning…but my home is worth more than that! The real truth is that study after study as well as my own professional experience as a REALTOR in the Houston, Clear Lake Texas area, has proven that when a competitively priced home hits the market it automatically attracts attention of the serious buyers. So, reduce your list price and begin attracting some of the buz for your property.  The longer a property is on the market, the lower the offer. History over time has proven this fact.

How Low Do I Go?

The question “So how low do I go?” comes up in the conversation.  Listen to your Realtor.  She will interpret the market.  She does not make the market, she interprets the market and will help you know where to adjust your price so that it has a much stronger chance of being on the SOLD List and not on the REJECTED List.  You do want to sell don’t you?

As a seller you will more than likely ask, “How do you know when it’s time to drop the price on my home?”  When you have no showings in a market that is going down every month, then you are losing money daily and chasing the market. 

Tough Talk on Pricing 

Therefore, we will have to have a tough talk on pricing.  I say tough for two reasons: 

1.  Tough for you to hear as owner.
2. Tough for me as a REALTOR to help you see. 

Buy you do want to hear the truth, so the conversation must take place.  It doesn’t matter which comes first – ten showings, no offers or two weeks without a showing means the house is overpriced.  You are chasing the market, so reduce it right away.  Buyers buy the home with the best value.  Today they have many choices.  Let’s make yours the one that they chose!

 In the Greater Houston area including Clear Lake City, League City, Friendswood, Pearland, Kemah, Taylor Lake , Alvin, Dickinson, Sugarland, Baytown, Crosby it is a strong buyer’s market.  Price accordingly and get your property sold.  For more specific information on your particular property, contact Kay Horacefield at kay@callkay.com and visit http://www.clearlakeandleaguecityrealty.com/.

If you are like most home buyers in the Houston Texas, Clear Lake City and League City, Texas area, you begin your new home search process on line.  Isn’ t that a comfortable and fast way to find a home?  You can even do it from your favorite recliner in front of your TV with nobody asking you any questions.   I agree, that you can and will get a vast amount of information rather quickly.  You can find a multitude of resources.  The real question is.. “Are you definately finding someone who can almost magically understand your wants and needs? (more…)

No doubt you’ve heard the news that the housing market has hit a rough road in the last few months.  Sale of single family existing homes have declined at a rate that have taken many by surprise.  This has caused a mind’s tailspin of wondering “what’s next”. 

The savvy buyers  are not missing a beat , they are seeing beyond the one dimensional view.  They are seeing the more favorable climate for buying a home in Clear Lake, League City, and Friendswood, Texas.  At today’s rock  bottom rates,  economist says that buyers stand to save $8,ooo many times over during the course of a  30-year  mortgage  even with another $8,000 tax credit now off of the table. 

Why Now is the Prime Time to Buy in Clear Lake, League City and Friendswood, Texas

• Home affordability is at an all-time high
• Mortgage rates are at rock bottom
• Home prices are trending to rise—Buy NOW
• Sellers are motivated
• Financing is readily available
• Owning vs. renting is increasingly favorable—average principle and interest payment has fallen below the average rental rates 
• Home ownership is still at the core of the American Dream!

For individual home buyers, there are only a few facts that really matter:

1. Can I afford this home?
2. Is it a good investment?
3. Does it meet my family’s needs?

To Sum It UP

Don’t let this prime time pass you buy, take action and BUY.  Years down the line you will be saying, “That was a very wise home purchase.  I am so glad that I took advantage of the buyer’s market !” I am glad that we did not get caught up in the “tail spin mind thinking” or we  would not have this great home in Clear Lake or League City or Friendswood, Texas.

First Time buyers, Move Up Buyers, and Investors Call Kay! right away to buy a home in Clear Lake, League City or Friendswood, Texas.  It is easy to do!  You will be glad you took action today. You, like me, can see the great opportunities to become the proud owner of a new home.  I’m sure you are saying the same thing.  I can see you head shaking, “YES.”

There are three reasons why a home sells:

• Price

• Condition

• Location

Trying to attach a market value to a home is very difficult.  It is complex equation of factors including showing quality, time frame for sale, location, buyer needs, etc.  It is very important to think carefully about your asking price.  You want to get you the highest price, but still sell the home when you need it sold.

Seller control salability:

1. Seller controls the condition of the property.
2. Seller controls the terms they will consider.
3. Seller controls the asking price.

The Market determines value:

1. Beyond the control of the seller is the value a buyer will assign to a given location and the number of homes for sale in that location.
2. Buyers are not intested in what a seller paid for the property and how much you have spent on redecorating.
3. Buyers are not interested in the amount of money you will need to purchase your nest home.
4. Buyers will always search the marketplace for the best value.

K.N.O.W. is Critical for First Time Home Buyers in Clear Lake and League City, Tx.

The very simple word KNOW  is helpful to first time home buyers.  Use this four letter word as a reminder of critical and time and money saving techniques to put into action when buying your first home in Clear Lake and League City.  Each individual letter opens up vital information that that will make you an informed consumer.

• We have focused on the letter “K” to remind you to know your buying power and price point.
• The letter “N” reminded us to narrow the area in which you want to live.
• Today’s post will focus on the letter “O”.

O=Organize your wants and needs by separating and prioritizing into two categories:

Separate and prioritize your wants and needs in home requirements into two categories will help you in two ways.  It will help you know what you want and need as well as help you communicate effectively with your REALTOR to fine tune your home requirements.  Taking the time to think through these two points will focus your thoughts.  It will help pin point just exactly what you are looking for and in turn help your REALTOR know how to work in your best interest. 

1. Wants- What are the wants that you  would like for your new home to have.  Make a list of these things that you would like to have in the home.  For example:  Large kitchen with granite counters; game room upstairs; three car detached garage.
2. Needs - What are the absolute must that your new Clear Lake or League City home must have.  These are the things that would you would not give up on and would not buy the house unless there were present.  Examples could be: four bedrooms; master down stairs; home office area.

Simple, yes!  Critical, yes!

• “K”: Know your buying power
• “N”: Narrow your area for searching
• “O”: Organize your thoughts into two categories/ wants and needs

Look for the next post about the letter “W”.

In the mean time, if you are ready to start your home buying process, please contact me right away at 281-282-9524 and we will help you accomplish the first three steps of the work, K.N.O.W. This will automatically put you in position for the fourth action which will be: “W”.

http://clearlakeandleaguecityrealty.com

Bringing you home to “Celebrate the Moment”

Relaxing on Clear Lake

I want to write a blog. What will I blog about? What will I say and how will I say it? Thinking back about what I would tell my student when they were asked to write in their journals, reminds myself to put to use the things I taught them. I can hear my words flowing through the class room and see the students’ faces as my words hit their faces and some how found their way into the ear canals and up to their bright brains.

• “Just put your words on paper. Go ahead and talk on paper.” I would encourage them to write about what they knew.
• I went a little further to remind them that they had experience and those experiences were their experiences so not to worry because there was no way that that could be wrong. 
•  Individualy, they were the experts because they had lived what they were talking about.

With thouse thought to get me rolling,I know what I want to blog about…living in the Clear Lake and League City, Texas area. I can  speak as an expert because I have lived in Clear Lake for the past 13 years. My eyes has seen, my hands have touched, my ears have heard and my mouth has tasted and my nose has smelled the life in and around Clear Lake and League City, Texas. 

Yes, I will write about what I know, living in Clear Lake and helping clients buy and sell real estate in Clear Lake and League City.  My expertise does not stop with just those two cities.  I know the Greater Houston well, because I am a life long resident of this area.  My passion is helping people and bring value to each day.  Therefore, I  hope you will enjoy reading my blogs and become a frequent visitor as I share information about the real estate in and around Clear Lake and League City.  I will be throwing in real life experiences!  Remember I encouraged my students to write about what they knew so, I will be using the techniques I shared with my students.  www.clearlakeandleaguecityrealty.com